On Christmas Eve, after an oil change and general inspection, I packed up the Ruckus and started south from Washington. A sheen of ice hid in the shadows and soon the fog obliterated all visibility. I made it as far as Yachats on the first night, shivering most of the way. Christmas morning brought freezing temperatures and ice again, a theme that would continue for a few days until I finally reached California. The glimpses of sunshine and breaks in the weather really helped to brighten my outlook though. While taking a break for coffee at a closed Myrtlewood Gift Shop, the owners came out and offered me a biscuit and coffee. "Merry Christmas" they said, and prepared to head to church. I felt bad for stopping on what was actually their front stoop but they seemed more than happy to make me a cup of coffee and chat briefly. Firendly folk abound in Oregon.
It has been a productive few months in Bay Center, WA. I was fortunate enough to get some riding in, a hike and even a short ride on a sailboat up in Port Townsend. While visiting, I learned much about drywall, insulation, demolition and structural repair. There were many days spent indoors with a dusk mask and protective clothing, which wasn't really so bad. The weather has been abundantly rainy and cold so the idea began to form to head south to Baja for a few months. I took few pictures over these months, spending more time reading, and working than photographing. On Christmas Eve, after an oil change and general inspection, I packed up the Ruckus and started south from Washington. A sheen of ice hid in the shadows and soon the fog obliterated all visibility. I made it as far as Yachats on the first night, shivering most of the way. Christmas morning brought freezing temperatures and ice again, a theme that would continue for a few days until I finally reached California. The glimpses of sunshine and breaks in the weather really helped to brighten my outlook though. While taking a break for coffee at a closed Myrtlewood Gift Shop, the owners came out and offered me a biscuit and coffee. "Merry Christmas" they said, and prepared to head to church. I felt bad for stopping on what was actually their front stoop but they seemed more than happy to make me a cup of coffee and chat briefly. Firendly folk abound in Oregon. After a cold couple days, I made it through Brookings, OR and smiled at the outlook of a few sunny days and highs in the 50's. The idea of stopping in the sunshine out of the wind and just sitting on a rock till I warmed up seemed more and more appealing as the ride wore on. Next up, California!
3 Comments
Tracy
1/4/2017 04:34:15 pm
Great photos Mike as always..
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Pan
1/5/2017 11:58:06 am
Mike,
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Tennessee Toby
1/18/2017 05:55:27 pm
Hey Mike glad to see your still out there Ruckin around and doing well. Love your pictures and the little articles you write. Keep on following that sun and stay warm and safe. Your pictures and thoughts really cheer me up on cold days here in Tennessee when i cant be out riding myself. Thanks for that, it is much appreciated!
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Mike SaundersIn May 2014 I quit my job to ride a Honda Ruckus over 69'000 mi and counting. Wild camping most nights and cooking most of my own meals, I keep the costs low and the landscape changing. Archives
April 2018
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